What is Career Readiness?
The National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) defines career readiness as “a foundation from which to demonstrate requisite core competencies that broadly prepare the college educated for success in the workplace and lifelong career management.”
Employers have identified the following eight career readiness competencies as key qualities they seek in future employees.
Career and Self-Development
Proactively develop oneself and one’s career through continual personal and professional learning, awareness of one’s strengths and weaknesses, navigation of career opportunities, and networking to build relationships within and without one’s organization.
Communication
Clearly and effectively exchange information, ideas, facts, and perspectives with persons inside and outside of an organization.
Critical Thinking
Identify and respond to needs based upon an understanding of situational context and logical analysis of relevant information.
Equity & Inclusion
Demonstrate the awareness, attitude, knowledge, and skills required to equitably engage and include people from different cultures and backgrounds. Engage in anti-oppressive practices that actively challenge the systems, structures, and policies of racism and inequity.
Leadership
Recognize and capitalize on personal and team strengths to achieve organizational goals.
Professionalism
Knowing work environments differ greatly, understand and demonstrate effective work habits, and act in the interest of the larger community and workplace.
Teamwork
Build and maintain collaborative relationships to work effectively toward common goals, while appreciating diverse viewpoints and shared responsibilities.
Technology
Understand and leverage technologies ethically to enhance efficiencies, complete tasks, and accomplish goals.
Disclaimer: The career readiness competencies listed above are defined by the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE). These definitions do not represent original content created by Ventura College.
For more information, visit National Association of Colleges and Employers.
Career Spots
The Ventura College Career Center has begun to implement a career readiness program known as Career Spots. The Career Ready Guide on Career Spots is a 4-hour interactive, online, micro course, based on the eight NACE career readiness competencies. The micro-course includes an introduction chapter, eight chapters which focus on each individual competency, and a self reflection workbook. This program is free to Ventura College students.
Please contact the Career Center to learn more!